Exporting Dried Fruit: What BRCGS, Kosher, Halal and FDA Mean for Buyers

For an importer or a retail chain buying dried fruit, quality is about more than how the sample tastes. Which standards the fruit is produced to, whether the supplier is independently audited and whether the product will clear the target market without trouble matter just as much. That is where certificates come in.

Shemsana's oven-dried fruits are BRCGS, Kosher and Halal certified and FDA registered. Here is what each one means for a buyer.

BRCGS: a global food safety standard

The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is what major retailers, especially in the UK and Europe, expect from their suppliers, and it is audited by independent certification bodies. It covers hygiene, traceability, product safety and quality management. Working with a BRCGS-certified supplier also makes it easier for buyers to meet their own customers' requirements.

Kosher: compliance with Jewish dietary laws

Kosher certification shows that a product is made in line with Jewish dietary laws. In many markets, led by the US and Europe, it is one of the first documents buyers ask for when choosing a supplier. It is also seen as extra assurance about ingredients and production lines.

Halal: assurance for Muslim consumers

Halal certification confirms that a product is produced in line with Islamic rules. In the Gulf, the wider Middle East and Southeast Asia, it is often a precondition for getting onto store shelves.

FDA: access to the US market

Facilities that export food to the United States must be registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA registration is one of the basic requirements for food entering the US.

What certificates give the buyer

• Faster market entry: Certified products reduce the risk of extra checks and delays in the destination country.
• Retail approval: Large chains look for these documents when approving suppliers.
• Traceability: If something goes wrong, a batch's history can be traced quickly.
• Consumer trust: Kosher and Halal marks directly influence the buying decisions of specific consumer groups.

Exporting with Shemsana

From our Mersin facility, built on more than 20 years of farming and food experience at AR-Seracılık Tarım A.Ş., we ship dried fruit to buyers in Europe, the Middle East and Eurasia. For copies of our certificates, product specifications or samples, reach us through our contact page, and browse the full range on our products page. For the other points to check when choosing a supplier, see our wholesale buying guide.